The Tottenham manager believes that Parks' energetic personality can galvanise Gomes, the Brazilian who has struggled with his English since arriving last summer from PSV Eindhoven, and conceded 20 goals in 13 games.

“It's difficult, but I feel you need people around you who you know,” Redknapp said. “Hans was a top goalkeeping coach, but I looked at it and I felt I needed to get someone else in.

“Tony's terrific, he knows the game having worked with the FA for the last few years. I spoke to Trevor Brooking about him, everyone I've spoken to him says he has a great personality, absolutely top-class.”

On Parks' ability to draw the best out of Gomes, who has yet to show the consistent form that persuaded Tottenham to part with £10 million for him, Redknapp explained: “Tony could be a big help to him - he's a talker, enthusiastic, lively.

“It's a matter of trying to get [Gomes] confident again. Look at his record at PSV, talk to Guus Hiddink - he helped get them to a Champions League semi-final. He's a world-class goalkeeper.

“At Fulham he made a mistake for the goal but pulled off two or three incredible saves that he had no right to make. Anybody can make mistakes, whether it's David James, [Petr] Cech, anybody. I' m sure he's going to come back stronger than ever.”